Experiences of the cross-border labour market co-operations and possibilities of sustainability

Abstract

The study provides an insight into the results of Interreg and IPA programs achieved so far, with significant impact on the labor market in rural areas. Another objective is the evaluation of the effects of labor market programs through interviews with experts, coordinating these programs. The Croatian–Hungarian cooperation has been excellent, smooth and efficient, which is due to the similar labor market problems in the collaborating areas. They face similar challenges, employ analogous methods, and their results in the project reports and evaluations have also reached similar conclusions. The Croatian partners were most flexible and creative, probably due to minimal administrative and legal barriers, and, consequently, a flexible labor market organizational background. The maintenance and expansion of collaborations are an important task after the EU accession of Croatia that is walking on her own way, but may utilize the Hungarian experience in stabilizing the labor market situation in the most underdeveloped areas.